UN probe finds Libya's warring parties likely committed war crimes A team of investigators appointed by the Human Rights Council said the rival factions, foreign fighters and third countries involved in Libya's war have likely committed war crimes and crimes against humanity since 2016. Libya
After Jordan, will Turkey take the plunge with Assad? After the Jordanian king spoke by phone with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for the first time since the Syrian conflict began over 10 years ago, Turks are now asking if Ankara will be next to reconcile. Turkey
Cyclone wreaks havoc on Oman The storm caused death and destruction throughout Oman and also hit Iran. News Brief
US citizen barred from leaving Iran needs life-saving surgery abroad, family says The son of an American citizen held in Iran urged Tehran to lift a travel ban on his ailing 84-year-old father. Iran
Jordan’s king, Syria’s leader speak by phone for first time in decade Jordan is emerging as a chief advocate of restoring ties with Bashar al-Assad's regime. News Brief
Financial crisis endangers Lebanese zoo animals Amid the economic crisis, zoos in Lebanon are struggling to maintain the proper conditions for the animals. Lebanon
Two children killed in Yemen's Marib Five more were injured, making the number of young casualties Sunday the most since the Houthi offensive began in February. News Brief
Turkish sovereign wealth fund reportedly considering stake in Turk Telekom Ankara’s sovereign wealth fund may be seeking to acquire a majority stake in Turk Telekom, having already gained control of Turkey’s largest mobile phone operator. Turkey
Iran's foreign minister says economy won’t be tied to nuclear talks Iran’s new foreign minister said the country is serious about the nuclear talks but wants seriousness from the other side as well. Iran
Israeli ministers meet with Abbas in Ramallah Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz, Regional Cooperation Minister Issawi Freij and Meretz Knesset member Michal Rozin met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Sunday, in an effort to establish cooperation between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, and campaigning to keep the concept of the two-state solution alive. Israel
Bennett puts Israeli parents in charge of virus testing The parents of Israeli students will now need to test their children for the coronavirus before can return to school after the Sukkot holiday. Israel
Russia ramps up strikes on Islamic State in Syrian desert Moscow is intensifying its airstrikes on Islamic State targets in the Syrian desert. Syria
Iraqi intel service, tribal fighters kill Islamic State commanders Iraqi national security forces working closely with local tribal fighters say they have managed to kill two key Islamic State figures involved in planning suicide attacks. Iraq
Egypt threatens to send military to remove encroachments along Nile Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi threatened to resort to the army to confront and remove illegal encroachments on the Nile, in addition to depriving the aggressor of government support provided to citizens, in tandem with mounting fears by the Egyptian government that its share of the Nile water will be prejudiced by the escalating Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam crisis. Egypt
Sudan security forces resist calls for civilian control Civilian leaders are pressuring military and security commanders to surrender their influence in politics and the economy, yet vested interests make them unlikely to oblige. Egypt
Intel: Top general joins US diplomats in urging Libya’s reunification AFRICOM's commander talked partnership opportunities with military officials in Tripoli last week, but Libyans must first bridge their divisions with nationwide elections. Libya
